Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of supervision and mentorship for Library and Information Science (LIS) students during their Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) attachment at Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri. It examined the quality of supervisory arrangements, the nature of mentorship received, and the challenges impeding effective supervision. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with all 75 LIS students who completed their SIWES attachment at Ramat Library during the 2023/2024 academic session as the population. Sixty-eight valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that while students acknowledged the assignment of supervisors, they rated the quality and consistency of institutional supervision and mentorship as inadequate. Major challenges included insufficient institutional supervisory visits, absence of structured mentorship programmes, and lack of formal orientation for industry-based supervisors. The study recommends that the University of Maiduguri should allocate adequate resources for regular supervisory visits, Ramat Library should establish a formal mentorship programme, and both institutional and industry-based supervisors should receive training in supervision and mentorship techniques. Improved coordination among the ITF, University of Maiduguri, and Ramat Library is essential for enhancing the professional development of SIWES participants.
Keywords: SIWES, supervision, mentorship, Library and Information Science, Ramat Library
Publication Date: 2026-10-31